Khiva walking route: Ichan Kala and 8 stops, 3 km
A 3 km walking route through Ichan Kala, the walled old city of Khiva, Uzbekistan. This 30-minute route takes visitors through the historic heart of the city, where traditional bazaars, architectural landmarks, and local crafts showcase the preserved medieval settlement that once served as a major Silk Road trading hub.
- Distance
- 3.0 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Journey to Khiva
- End
- Lunch at Tea House Mirza Boshi
- Stops
- 8
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Journey to Khiva — Ancient Silk Road city in western Uzbekistan, preserved as an open-air museum with intact medieval walls and monuments spanning centuries of Islamic architecture.
- Polvonnazir Guest House — Traditional guesthouse offering authentic hospitality in a restored historical building, providing visitors comfortable base for exploring Khiva's monuments and local culture.
- Itchan Kala — UNESCO-listed inner walled city containing over 60 historic monuments including madrasahs, mosques, and minarets representing Khwarezm's architectural heritage from 10th-19th…
- Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum — Ornate turquoise-domed shrine honoring Khiva's patron saint, a legendary wrestler and poet whose tomb became pilgrimage destination and architectural masterpiece of tilework.
- Kalta Minor — Incomplete minaret started in 1852 by Muhammad Amin Khan, standing 29 meters tall with spectacular colorful tile exterior, one of Uzbekistan's most unique minarets.
- Tash Khovli Palace — 19th-century royal residence displaying intricate carved wooden columns, elaborate tilework, and courtyards that showcase the wealth and artistic refinement of Khiva's khans.
- Juma Mosque — Friday mosque originally built in 10th century, rebuilt in 19th century with flat roof supported by 212 uniquely carved wooden columns and glass skylights.
- Lunch at Tea House Mirza Boshi — Historic atmospheric teahouse serving traditional Uzbek tea, bread, and regional dishes in intimate courtyard setting surrounded by centuries-old architecture.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Travel from Bukhara to Khiva by taxi (6 hours) rather than train, as the train route is very slow. Book a driver in advance; Islamic Travel provides professional drivers for this route.
- Where to stay
- Stay at Polvonnazir Guest House, a renovated historic building run by a friendly local family. It offers spacious rooms, clean bathrooms, and exceptional terrace views of Itchan Kala.
- Timing
- Climb Islam Khoja Minaret (175 steps, 50m tall) early in the day. It gets extremely hot (40°C+) mid-day. The ascent is challenging but offers 360° views of the entire city from the top.
- Tip
- Buy the Itchan Kala Museum Pass on day 2. It includes Tash Khovli Palace, Juma Mosque, Kutlug Murad Inaq Madrasa, Allakuli Khan Madrasa, and Kunha Ark entry.
- Timing
- Plan indoor activities during peak heat (35-41°C). Visit cool sites like Juma Mosque interior or air-conditioned tea houses at midday, then explore in early morning or after 7 p.m.
- Food
- Eat at Tea House Mirza Boshi for air-conditioned dining and local Uzbek cuisine during hot hours. Also offers dinner service with good views.
- Food
- Dine at Terrasa Restaurant for sunset views over Khiva. Book your table 2+ months in advance and request the best seating position to enjoy both the view and food.
- Timing
- Wake up at 4-7 a.m. to explore Itchan Kala without crowds and photograph golden hour light. The city feels frozen in time with minimal people at dawn.
- Tip
- Respect dressing rules when visiting Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum, as it is a sacred site venerated by pilgrims. It is located 5 minutes from Islam Khoja Minaret.
- Tip
- Visit Kunha Ark's highest tower (Akshake Bobo) for sunset views over Khiva. Best visited after 7 p.m. when desert heat dissipates. Entry included in Museum Pass.
- Tip
- The old city (Itchan Kala) is mostly closed to cars; use taxis to reach your accommodation, but camel traffic is permitted. Most sightseeing is on foot.
- Food
- Try traditional Uzbek dishes: egg dumplings, pumpkin dumplings, and rice soup with meat. Guest house breakfasts are abundant; expect continuous refills of food.
Video on this route
The Slave Market turned into Fairyland | Forgotten KHIVA | Uzbekistan Travel Documentary